Notch tinner



Jan. 289 'i958 l c. c. RAYBURN ETAL 821,159 l NOTCH TINNE'R Filed Jan.25, 195s e 'sheets-sheet 1 f INVENTORS Herma/7 A. Schmidt 'Char/e5"C..Rczybur-n BY dames G. Black Jn v 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 NOTCH TINNER c. c.RAYBURN Erm..

Jan. `28, 1958 Filed Jan. 25, 1956 INVENTORS Henman A. Scnrn/'CzCna/"les C. Rayburn BY dames Gjock Jr.

Attorney Jan 23 1958 c. c. RAYBURN ETAL 2,821,159

NOTCH TINNER Filed Jan. 25, 1956 Y 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS Her-manAchm/d Char/6s C. Rayburn BY dames G. @jack Jr'.

Jan. 2s, i958 g. ,'RAYBQRQ L 2321,15@

NOTCI-I TINNER 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 23;. 1956 -El M :Com i J 4 5n@ 0 W 6 0/ W 7 M4 fr Bmw d :me

n MW y ombk. e mfr@ r VSFBMO m@ GS/ mme Ham Hcd Jan, 28, 1958 c. c.RAYBURN ETAL I 2,821,159

NOTCH TINNER 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 23, 1956 om, nw mm.

l-, S www@ Jan. 28, 1958 c. c. RAYBURN ETAL .2,821,159

NOTCH TINNER Filed Jan. 23, 1956` 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 ow um u* S1@ SS QSINVENTORS Herman A, Schmi Char/es C. Rayburn BY JCI/nes G?. Black dr'.

Atto/neg Jan, 28,

Filed Jan. 23, 1956 c. c. RAYBURN Erm. 2,821,159

Noma TmNER 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 B CA INVENTORS' Herman A. Schmid @HGP/ES C.Rayburn BY dames G. lczckdn `Jan. 28, 1958 l c. c. RAYBURN ETAL2,821,159

No'rcH TINNER Filed Jan. 23.71956 9 Sheets-.Sheet 8 INVENTORS Henman A.Schm/d Char/e5' C. Rayburn BY dames G. /ackdn Jam 28, 1958 Filed Jan.23, 1955 C. C. RAYBURN FAI.

NOTCH TINNER 'Sei' 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Time Switch Moof" Cy /fnder' 6Rc1/se lcoz Contacts Show/7 Qfef" reset cof/ on 1N V EN TORS Herman A.Sc lvm/'df Char/es C. Rayburn L/ ames G. /czck Jr'.

NTCH TINNER Charles C. Rayburn and llames G. Black, Jr., Falls Church,Va., and Herman A. Schmidt, Washington, D. C., assignors to ACFIndustries, Incorporated, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New JerseyApplication .l'anuary 23, 1956, Serial No. 560,716

29 Claims. (Cl. 118-6) This invention relates to improvements in anapparatus for sequentially applying solder to the several marginal edgesof fiat polygonal ceramic wafers. In the manufacture of moduleassemblies and in forming ceramic modules for use in electronics it hasbeen proposed to provide these ceramics in the form of square datwafers, the edges of which are formed with spaced notches. The notchescomprehend the areas to which electrical connections are to be made andit is, therefore, essential that such notches be provided with properdeposits of solder.

Gne of the objects of the present invention is to provide a mechanismincluding means for automatically moving jigs from station to station,the jigs each holding a plurality of wafers and presenting the edges ofthe wafers sequentially to flux and solder contained in suitablereceptacles.

A further object of the invention is to provide containers for ilux andsolder and mounting the containers on vertically movable supports sothat these containers can be elevated to a position for suitablyimmersing the ceramics which are held in the jigs, the movement of thecontainers being synchronized with the movement of the jigs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feed means for a seriesof jigs loaded with ceramic wafers whereby the jigs will be moved fromstation to station for synchronized manipulation enabling the varioussides of the ceramic to be properly presented to the flux or solder andfinally moved and unloaded after completion of the operation.

The invention further comprehends the use of an automatic mechanism forrotating the jigs on their own axes to present the various marginaledges of the ceramics in position for immersion in the tanks containingthe flux or solder.

More specically the invention comprehends a pair of guide rails uponwhich jigs are arranged, the jigs carrying suitably arranged ceramicwafers. Mechanism is provided for a step by step feeding of the jigsalong the guide rails to stations available adjacent vertically movableflux and solder receptacles and at these stations mechanism is arrangedfor rotating the jigs to present the several edges of the ceramics forimmersion in the flux and solder contained in the receptacles.

Further, the invention comprehends power means for moving the severalassociated parts and timing means for synchronizing the movement of theparts for cooperation with the mechanism.

These and other objects of the invention will more clearly hereinafterappear by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of theinstant application and wherein like characters of reference designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the assembly;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus with parts ice broken awayin section to show certain of the mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view;

Fig. 4 is a partial end elevation with parts broken. away, showing thehold-down mechanism;

Fig. 5 is a partial end elevation of the opposite end of the apparatus;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal vertical section taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a transverse section on line 7-7 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a transverse section on line 8-8 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged elevation of the rotating mechanism for the jigs;

Fig. l0 is a section on line 10--10 of Fig. 9;

Fig. l1 is a fragmentary elevation taken on line 11-11 of Fig. l0; and

Fig. 12 is a wiring diagram showing the controls of the apparatus.

In the present disclosure the notch tinning apparatus is shown assupported on a table including the top 1, vertical supports 2 andmarginal horizontal braces 3. Supported on this table is a verticallymovable platform 4 normally spaced from the table top l by resilientsupports 5 to provide a space for connecting parts of the elevatingmechanism and permitting suitable ventilation, and arrangement of aswitching means as hereinafter described. The elevating mechanism forthe platform 4 includes the cylinder 6 suspended by tubular hangers 7,the hangers including bolts 8 which extend through the hangers and theupper ange 9 of the cylinder 6. The cylinder is of conventional type,including the compressed air inlet 10 and the metered exhaust valve 11,the latter acting as a control for regulating the elevating and loweringof the platform 4. Within the cylinder 6 is the piston 12 which isreciprocated by air pressure supplied to the cylinder through inlet 10,and to this piston is fixed the connecting rod 14 which extends throughthe upper cylinder wall 9a and into the downwardly facing cylindricalsocket 15 to a solid annular head portion 16 having ange 16a fixed tothe bottom face of the platform 4. The upper end of the rod 14 which islocated in the cylinder socket 15 is formed with elongated cylindricalenlargement 14a and a rounded extremity 15a (Fig. 7). This structureprovides for the proper application of thrust to the cylinder andpermits the application of the vertical forces to a central point toinsure against tilting of the receptacles being elevated and lowered.

By this structure the platform 4 can be elevated vertically a distancedened by the stroke of the piston 12 and will be gradually lowered bygravity after each vertical timed movement as determined by theadjustable exhaust valve 11 and controlling relays. On the platform 4 isarranged a heated solder pot 20 and the ilux receptacle 21, the solderpot 20 being adapted to contain solder up to the level of its sidewallsand the level of the flux in the receptacle 21 being substantiallyidentical with the solder level. The solder pot 20 may be heated by anysuitable means such as the electric heating means 2lel formed in thewall thereof. The flux receptacle 21 is of rectangular form having itsend walls supported in brackets 22 fixed to the side panels 23 supportedon the table top i. The side panels 23 are parallel and extendlengthwise of the table to provide trackage for supporting and guidingthe jigs, as will more clearly hereinafter appear. Within the fluxreceptacle 21 is a wiper pad 25 suspended at each end by the hangers 26supported by the uprights 27. The brackets 26 are generally of V-formwith the wiper pad supported at the base of the V, the upper ends of thearms of the V-brackets 26 extending laterally as at 28 to overlie thetop of the uprghts 27 immediately below the upper marginal edge of thesolderV pot 20 by thumb screws 31.v Thispan 30 is positioned so as tounderlie the jig which has been removed from the solder potxand willprovide means for receiving any waste or discharge from the` jig.

VObviously from the foregoing it will be apparent that the operation Aofthe piston 12 in the air cylinder 6 which isV positionedbelow andsuspended from the table top 1 `will result in anelevation of theplatform 4 and of the'solder pot 20,.theux receptacle 21 and theattached scale pan 30. It will be understood that the temperature'of thesolder is controlled andrthis in turn controls the operation of themechanical mechanism, as will be hereinafter more fully described. f

The ceramic wafers to be tinned or Vsoldered are carried lin jigsindicated by reference character A, these jigs being of different typesand form to accommodate various operations and ceramics, one form of ajig being illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. The jigs basically includespaced rails 35 which have oppositely aligned slots 36 in which theceramic wafers 37 have been manually positioned so as to present thefour sides of the wafer with its several notches in each of the foursides and so that these four sides may be submerged in the flux andsolder upon the upward movement of the platform 4 as heretoforementioned and as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7 at 20e.

Each jig includes supporting shafts extending axially at each end andindicated at 38, the extremities of these supporting shafts beingreduced and flattened as at 39 for engagement and travel along thelateral elevated tracks 4t). These tracks are of angular form, havingtheir vertical portion 41 fastened by screws 42 to the outer face of theside panels 23 and their horizontal portions 40 located above andprojecting laterally of the slide elements-.44.` As shown in Figs. andll one of the tracks is notched at spaced points B and C for the passageof the clutch shaft of the rotating mechanism to be hereinafterdescribed. The top faces of the side panels 23 form trackways for theslide members 44 which are spaced downwardly from the ytop surface ofthe elevated track portions 40 so that normally the jigs are supportedby and travel on the lateral track faces 40. The slides 44 arelongitudinally slotted along their bottom surface as at 45 to straddleguide pins or screws 46 fixed medially along the upper faces of the sidepanel 23, this structure permitting the slide member 44 to slidelongitudinally of the side panels 23 by means of an air motor includinga cylinder 50, piston 51 and piston rod 52, the latter being adjustablysecured to a bracket 53 secured medially of the outer face of the crossconnection 54 which extends between and connects the slides 44.

By reference to Fig. 3 it will be seen that the air motor has compressedair connected at each end of the cylinder by pipe connections 56 and 57through regulating valves 58 and it will be obvious that the movement ofthe slides 44 will be determined by the stroke of the air motor. Theslides 44 are each provided with three sets of oppositely arrangedtriggers for engaging and feeding the jigs containing the ceramic wafersto the separate stations, i. e. the loading station, the iiuxingstation, soldering station and at the point of discharge. The rst set oftriggers 69. are positioned adjacent the motor end of the slides 44 andare formed with jig engaging flat vertical faces 6l and top outwardlyinclined faces 62. The second and third trigger mechanisms are seated inspaced recesses 65 and all triggers have pivots 66 and are springprojected from their sockets by fiat leaf springs 67 so that the freeends of the triggers project above the top surface of the rail and intoa position for engaging the adjacent shaft portion of the arborextremities 38. In the feeding of the jigs it will be noted that thefirst jig indicated in Fig. 6 at A will upon operation of the uid motorbe shifted to position A' and upon a second operation to position A2'and upon a third operation to position A3', the trigger structure movingthe arbors forward but at the second and third positions being depressedupon reverse movement of the rails against the tension of their springs67 Ato clear the arbors which are held down by the spring-urgedhold-down clamps 70 positioned at each station.

While the hold-down clamps are slightly modified in their mounting ateach side of the assembly, their general structure and function isidentical. Each of the holddown clamps includes a block 71, Figs. 10 and11, these blocks having arcuate medial faces 71a and lateral upwardlyinclined faces 71h, the arcuate faces 71a being adapted to snugly engagethe shaft extensions 38 of the jigs while the inclined faces 71b coactwith the moving jig shafts to Ypermit their movement and engagement inthe arcuate-recesses. The blocks 71 are supported at the ends of'pivoted arms 72 mounted on pivot pins 73 and are normally depressed bysprings 74. At the left hand side of the assembly and adjacent the jigsrotating mechanism, the springs 74 are mounted on top of the pivotedarms 72 and are interposed between the top of these arms and a bracket75. Bolts 76 are provided for mounting the springs.

At the right hand side of the assembly, as viewed in Fig.- 7, thepivoted arms 72 are mounted on pivot pins 82 carried by upright ears 83which extend upwardly from and are supported at the outer marginal edgeof the projecting arm 81 supported on horizontal flange 40 of the track.In these latter hold-down clamps, the spring 77 is beneath the outerfree end of the clamp arm 72 and is supported on the arm 81 lxed to theouter'marginal edge of the :flange 40 of the track. The spring 77 isheld in place by the bolt 78 which extends through the pivoted arm 72and into the arm 81, thereby firmly positioning the spring for properseating movement of the clamp block. It will be noted that in bothinstances the ends of the coil springs, which are utilized in seatingthe clamp blocks, are arranged in appropriate recesses in the mechanism.

For holding each jig in such a position that the ceramic wafers areretained with their flat edges in a true horizontal position andparallel to the surface of the solder, an alignment mechanism isprovided in the nature of a pivoted arm 80. This pivoted arm 80 ismounted on the pivot pin 82 extending through the spaced parallel ears83 projecting upwardly from the arm 81. The pivoted aligning arm 80includes the downwardly extending ears 84 which are located between theupwardly projecting ears 83, and the pin 82 extends through the ears 84of the aligning arm and the supporting ears 83 to permit the aligningarm to swing on this pivot downwardly upon the top Hat marginal edge 86of the jig. By reference Lto Fig. 3 it will be seen that the alignmentlever is formed at its outer extremity of two spaced arms 87 and 88 andadjustable Contact elements 89 are provided in the extremity of each ofthese arms to provide an assembly which will-hold the jig in truehorizontal position. The alignment arm 80 is normally held in raisedposition by the coil spring 90 which is connected at 91 to the outer endof the arm 80 and also to the bracket 92 extending from the outside ofthe adjacent side rails 23. To actuate the alignment arm 80 there is aspring pressed rod 94 which extends into a cylinder 95. The rod 94 isprovided with adjusting stop nuts 96 and between these adjusting stopnuts 96 and the top of the rod 94 there is a coil spring 97 interposed.The cylinder 95 is supported on a lateral bracket 98 fixed to the bottomof the platform 4 by the bolts 99. By this arrangement as the platform iis elevated by the iluid motor, it lifts the supporting bracket 98 andthe cylinder 95 vertically, compressing the spring 97 and under thisspring pressure urging the rod 54 vertically to engage the outer freeend of the alignment lever Si? eecting a tensioning pressure throughthis medium to engage and maintain the jig with the ceramics in truehorizontal position.

In Figs. 9 and l0 there is illustrated a mechanism for rotating the pairof jigs being treated in the flux tank and in the solder tank, it beingobvious that a ceramic wafer of the type shown, having four sides, mustbe repositioned to bring the four sides in positie-n for immersion inthe flux or solder contained in the vertically movable tanks. It willalso be obvious that t.e 9G degree turn of each of the jigs to presentthe four faces of the ceramic wafers to a position for immersion in theilux or solder must be synchronized with the operation of the air motorS operating the horizontal guideway and with the air motor 6 which islifting the platform d containing the solder pot 2@ and the fluxreceptacle Z1. in other words, the 90 degree turns of the jigs mustoccur in synchronized relation with the four elevations of the platform4 and once with the operation of the pressure cylinder 5t) whichreciprocates and changes the jigs positions to the several stations. Themechanism for accomplishing the 90 degree rotational movement of thejigs includes ratchetengaging wheels D and E. Each of theseratchet-engaging wheels include spaced discs lill? and 101 and medialhub portion 162. The hub portion 162 is hollow to receive the reducedextremity 193 of a shaft having an enlarged medial portion ltbl mountedin bearings 105 in the frame member 196. rhe shaft extends throughbearing portion 105 and terminates in an enlarged inner extremity 197which is formed with a transverse slot 108. It will be noted that ateach jig station, where the ends of the jigs are coupled with therotating pawl mechanism, the angular track structure at il@ is cut awayat B and C to permit the passage of the shaft 3S and the couplingthereof with the jig. The slot 1638 in the extremity 107 receives theadjacent flat reduced extremity of the arbor andretains the latter inposition so that rotation of the ratchet-engaging wheel will rotate thejig. For causing a quarter turn of the ratchet-engaging wheel, anelongated sliding pawl carrier 11i) is provided, this pawl carrierhaving recesses 111 in which pawls 112 are located. The pawls 112 arepivoted at 113 and are spring urged to be normally positioned forengagement with pins 114; which are spaced at 90 degrees about theratchet-engaging wheels and between the plates forming theratchet-engaging wheel bodies. The sliding pawl carrier 110 is mountedin guide frame 115 fixed to the frame element 106. An air motor 11.6 isconnected through vertical bracket 117 with the slide 11i?, this bracket117 being fixed to the piston rod 117a of the air motor 116. A spring118 is mounted on the piston rod 117e, between the piston and the end ofthe cylinder, and functions to return the piston after its workingstroke.

It will be noted that a switch 12@ is ixed to the frame member 166,having its operating part 121 in the path of movement of the piston rod117YL of the air motor 116, whereby the switch is actuated at each powerstroke of the motor to synchronize one of the included operations. Themotor 116 is formed in two sections 116a and lieb threaded togetherpermitting ready access to the Working parts for adjustment orreplacement.

It will be noted that the spaced discs 166 and lill of theratchet-engaging wheel are formed with arcuate recesses spaced at 90degrees about the peripheral edges thereof, the notches or recesses indisc 16d functiom'ng as positioning means cooperating with the springstops 160e while the arcuate notches or recesses in the inner disc 101cooperate with the roller 1&1ai at the end of the switch arm 16th tocooperate with the control mechanism to synchronize the operation of theparts, as will be more fully hereinafter described.

The first function of the control circuit (Fig. l2) is provided wherebythe machine can be turned on a preset time before operation is expectedto commence without the attention of an operator. The primary functionof the control circuit is to instrument a sequentially coordinatedactuation of the various positioning and work movements of the machine,as well as to provide for safety features preventing operation underimproper conditions.

Considering the instrumentation of these functions it will beappreciated from the description of the cycle of operation that beforethe soldering can begin, the solder in the bath must be in a moltenstate. As melting the solder in the pot requires a substantial timeinterval, a time switch 15% is provided having contacts driven by aclock motor M. By manual presetting, the contacts of the time switch 151can be adjusted to close so that the solder bath will be molten at theoutset of a work period. Connection of solder heat element 154 acrosspower source input 155 is provided through plug terminals 152 andbimetallic thermostat switch 153. The thermostat switch 153 opens whenthe solder bath exceeds a temperature sufiicient to maintain a liquidstate preventing the overheating of the bath and reducing thereby thetendency for a scum to accumulate on the molten surface exposed to theatmosphere.

The second function, that of preventing operation of the machine beforethe solder is molten, is implemented by another thermostatic switch 157also subjected to the temperature of the solder pot. When the potreaches operating temperature, switch 157 opens, thereby deenergizingrelay R and closing contact R18' to permit operation of the machine.Pilot light 15S is turned on by contact R12 to indicate that theoperating temperature has been reached and that operation may commence.Another pilot light 159 indicates that the power is connected to thecontrol circuit by manual actuation of switch 156. When both pilot lamps158 and 159 are on the machine is ready to be operated.

Consider now the primary function of the control circuit, that ofproviding a proper sequence of motions. As stated heretofore, one cycleof this sequence consists of a forward horizontal translation of thewafer racks into juxtaposition with either flux bath or solder bath,while each vertical reciprocation of the ilux and solder pots initiatesa degree rotation of the wafer racks. An alternate pattern of operationis possible whereby only one side of the quadrilateral wafers will besoldered. Each cycle of operation is initiated by manual actuation ofstart switch 16@ at the discretion of the operator after placing a rackinto the loading station. Thereafter operation through one cycle iscompletely automatic, allowing the operator to meantime load anotherrack. The completion of each motion, be it translation of the Wafer rackor solder and ilux pots, or rotation of the Wafer racks, is sensed bylimit switches which serve to energize relay switches which in turncontrol actuating valves for the various air-servo pistons.

The r'st step in each cycle requires actuation of fixture positioningpiston 51 by supplying air to the horizontal piston Si? through valvesV1 and V2 (Fig. l2). The circuit across the power line which must becompleted to energize Vl and V2 includes the manual start switch 160 andcontact R38' of relay R3. The contacts R3a will be closed only when therotation index switches are both closed by having notches 125a in zeroposition. This is necessary to provide an unobstructed path for theengagement of the flat reduced extremity of the arbor into slot 1% ofthe rotational hub. Valves V1 and V2 are held on after the manualrelease of the start switch 160 by series connected contact R2 of relayR2. They remain on until contact R7a is broken, as hereinafterdescribed.

Termination of the forward stroke of horizontal piston 51 is sensed bythe forward limit switch 161 which applies power to the valve V3, viarelay switch contacts R'fb, R42TC, and' RBTC, all normally closed. ValveV3 supplies air elevator piston 12, via inlet. 10, thereby raising thesolder and flux baths upward toward the already positioned wafer racks.1.

Upon initiation of the upward stroke of the solder and flux pots, thecontacts 1629' of the down limit switch is opened. The sequence tofollow determining whether four sides, or only one side of the wafersreceive solder, is controlled by switches 163a and 1631 each withmanually set contacts A and B. Consider first the A position of switches163a and 1631 whereby all four sides of the wafers are soldered. Timedrelay TR4 is energized through limit switch 16,2a and the A contact of163; this causes raise pot cylinder valve V3 to remain on a preset time,holding the baths in their elevated position long enough to complete theuxing and soldering operations. Contact R41 of relay R4 sets latchingrelay LRS which closes contacts R55, thereby by-passing contact 162 andholding on time relay TR4. After the preset time has elapsed, timedrelay TR4 disconnects V3 through contacts R4a and the pot falls to itslowermost position. Contact 1621 of the pot down-limit switch isthereupon closed and the fixture rotator 116 is supplied with airpressure via valve V4 and contact R51 of latching relay LRS. After theforward stroke of the fixture rotator is completed, limit switch 16S ismoved to its B position, latching relay LRS being thereby reset andrelay switch R6 being energized. Contact R51 of latching relay LRS isopened disconnecting relay TR4 (which controls the raise pot valve V3);R51J is oepned deenergizing fixture rotator valve V4, thereby allowingthe pawl to retract into its initial position.

Upon retraction of the fixture rotating cylinder, limit switch 16Sreturns to the A position so that latching relay LRS is again set,contacts RTC are closed and the pot again rises. The cycle of potreciprocation and fixture rotation through 90 degrees continues in theaforedescribed manner until rotation index switches 130 are closed whileforward limit switch 165 is in its B position. This combinationcompletes the circuit through relay R7; contact RFlc holding relay R7on, and contact R71 (normally closed) opening to prevent the raise potvalve V3 from being energized. Normally closed contact R'784 opensdeenergizing relay R2 and removing the power from fixture positioningvalves V1 and V2 which allows the horizontal slide frame to retract toits initial position. A cycle is now complete and further operationawaits manual actuation of start button 160.

When the machine is used to solder only one side of a wafer, switches`163L and 1631 are placed in their B positions. The cycle proceeds in thenormal sequence until the solder pot rises. The down limit switch 162alenergizes time relay TRS and relay 851 relay contact R8 holds bothrelays on. After the preset time delay of relay TRS, contact RBTC isopened, deenergizing the valve V3 which lowers the solder and ux pots.Upon reaching the lowermost position, down limit switch 1621 is closedenergizing relay R through contacts R88- and R21. With the rotation,indexswitches 130 in the zero or closed position, relay R'1 isenergized, opening contact R'1b, thereby preventing further cycling ofthe solder and flux pots until a complete rotation of the rotation indexcams has been completed. Relay R1 is deenergized again when thehorizontal slide frame is retracted with the consequent opening of limitswitch 161.

As has been shown and described, the present apparatus is capable foruse in handling both rotatable and non-rotatable jigs. When the jigs areto be rotated by the mechanism of Figs. 9 and 10, to provide 90 degreeturns of the jig structures, the main circuit functions to control andoperate the necessary mechanism. When the jig is not to be rotated, thiscircuit is disabled so that the jigsl are not subject to movement abouttheir axes. In either instance, the feeding of the jigs through themachine is identical, i. e. the jig shafts 38 and the dat terminals 39-thereof travel forward by virtue of the 8 actuation ofthe piston S1 inthe motor cylinder S0 which actuates the slide frame and with it thetriggers 60, the latter directly engaging the jig shafts 38 and movingthe jigs with the flat faces of the projections 39 in sliding engagementwith the tracks 40. The flat terminals 39. of the jigs are at such anelevation and remain in such a plane that they move into the slots 108in the driving shaft 107, and are free to pass through these slots 108in the driving shaft 107 at the approximate time provided for by thesynchronizing mechanism described. ln other words, if the jigs are to berotated to present the four faces of the square ceramic wafers to theflux and solder, the fourth ninety degree turn of the driving shaft 107terminates with the slot 108 in a horizontal plane for the reception ordischarge of the flat by the action of the reciprocating slides andtheir associated triggers 60. Obviously this arrangement provides amachine of great flexibility and a machine which requires no changes andalterations to permit the handling of rotary or non-rotary jigs.

What we claim is:

l. In an apparatus of the class described, a supporting structure, apair of spaced guide rails mounted on the supporting structure, saidguide rails being adapted to provide a runway and support for aplurality of jigs,

lsaid jigs being adapted to support and expose marginal portions ofarticles carried thereby, power means for advancing said jigs along saidrails to predetermined stations, spring actuated clamp means for holdingsaid `jigs at said stations when the advancing means is repower meansfor advancing the jigs along the rail to predetermined stations includesa reciprocating motor and a slide frame carried thereby, the slide frameincluding spring projected trigger means.

3. The structure of claim 1 characterized in that the means forelevating the platform carrying the flux and solder receptacles includesa vertically arranged fluid motor suspended by the supporting structureand having a v plunger operatively engaging the platform.

4. In an apparatus of the class described, a supporting structure, apair of spaced guide rails mounted on the supporting structure, saidguide rails having upper portions for supporting a plurality of jigs andlower runways for suporting a slide frame, a reciprocating motor foractuating said slide frame, said slide frame including trigger means forengaging said jigs for advancing the same along the runways topredetermined positions, rotatable means mounted on the supportingstructure at said positions for engaging said jigs, intermittentlyactuated means for actuating said rotatable means, a platform containingreceptacles for flux and solder, and means for elevating said platformfor immersing the articles carlied in said jigs, the operation of saidlast-named means being synchronized with said intermittently actuatedmeans.

5. In a notch tinning apparatus, a supporting structure,

a pair of spaced parallel supporting panels mounted onsaid supportingstructure, said supporting panels being provided at their upper marginaledges with guide rails for supporting a plurality of jigs, a slide framemounted 9 on said supporting panels for reciprocating movementtherealong, said slide frames having projecting retractable lingers forengaging said jigs mounted on said guide rails for moving the same fromstation to station, a fluid motor for actuating said slide frame, meansfor locking said jigs at said stations to retain the same in positionupon retraction of said slide frame, ratchet wheels positioned forengaging said jigs at said stations, power means for operating saidratchet wheels for rotating said jigs in a step by step movement forsequentially moving the various faces of said jigs to a position to besubmerged in tanks containing flux and solder, said tanks containing theliux and solder being mounted on a vertically movable platform, powermeans for elevating said platform as each face of the jig is rotated totreating position by said power ratchet means, and means for advancingsaid slide frame to advance said jigs on said side rails upon treatmentof all of the faces of the articles carried by said jigs.

6. The structure of claim characterized in that a pair of ngers areprovided for engaging each jig.

7. The structure of claim 5 characterized in that a pair of ngers forengaging each jig are arranged in spaced series for shifting the seriesof jigs on their trackways to the several stations in sequence.

8. The structure of claim 5 characterized in that means are provided forretaining the jigs in fixed position upon the partial rotation of thejigs by said ratchet means.

9. The structure of claim 5 characterized in that means are provided forsecuring the ratchet wheels in fixed position after each operation bythe power means.

10. The structure of claim 5 characterized in that a control means isactuated by the platform for controlling the motor for sequentialoperation.

ll. The structure of claim 5 characterized in that the motor forelevating the platform containing the receptacles holding the flux andsolder is provided with a control vent means permitting the control andreturn of the platform by gravity.

12. The structure of claim 5 characterized in that the motor whichactuates the slide frame is a fluid motor and is positively actuated bythe admission of uid at each side of the piston.

13. In an apparatus of the class described a supporting structure,spaced guide rails mounted on the supporting structure, a slide framemounted on said guide rails, said slide frame including a plurality ofretractable trigger means, supports carried by said guide rails andpositioned thereabove, said supports including elongated angle plateshaving their upper leg portions positioned above the slide frame andextending laterally thereof for supporting the extremities of jigmechanisms, motor means for reciprocating said slide frame, a solder potsupported between said guide rails for vertical movement, motor meansfor moving said solder pot vertically, and means controlled by theactuation of said slide frame for operating said motor for elevatingsaid solder pot.

14. in an apparatus of the class described, a supporting structure,spaced guide rails mounted on the supporting structure, a slide framemounted on said guide rails, said slide frame including a plurality ofretractable trigger means, supports caried by said guide rails andpositioned thereabove, said supports including elongated angle plateshaving their upper leg portions positioned above the slide frame andextending laterally thereof for supporting the extremities of jigmechanisms, iiuid motor means mounted on said supporting structure forreciprocating said slide frame, a solder pot supported between saidguide rails for vertical movement, tluid motor means for moving saidsolder pot vertically, electro-magnetically operated valves foroperating both of said fluid motors, and switch means controlled by theactuation of said slide frame for operating the electro-magnetic valvecontrolling the uid motor for elevating said solder pot.

15. In a notch tinning apparatus, a supporting structure, a pair ofspaced parallel supporting panels mounted on said supporting structure,said supporting panels being provided at their upper marginal edges withgnlide rails for supporting a plurality of jigs, a slide frame mountedon said supporting panels for reciprocating movement therealong, saidslide frames having projecting retractable fingers for engaging saidjigs mounted on said guide rails for moving the same from station tostation, a iiuid motor for actuating said slide frame, means for lockingsaid jigs at said stations to retain the same in position uponretraction of said slide frame, ratchet wheel structures positioned forengaging each of said jigs at said stations, power means for operatingsaid ratchet wheels for rotating said jigs in a step-by-step movementfor sequentially moving the various faces of said jigs to a position tobe submerged in tanks containing flux and solder, said tanks beingmounted on a vertically movable platform, power means for elevating saidplatform as each face of the jig is rotated to treating position by saidratchet wheel structures, means for advancing said slide frame formoving said jigs on said slide frames upon treatment of all ofthe facesof the articles carried by said jigs, and means for actuating saidplatform elevating means by movement of said slide frame.

16. in an apparatus for tinning notches in ceramic wafers supported byjig members, a supporting structure, a pair of spaced parallel guiderails mounted on said supporting structure, slide rails carried by saidguide rails and adapted to be reciprocated thereon, retractable triggermeans carried by said slide rails and adapted to engage said jigs formoving the same in one direction, means carried by said guide rails forretaining said jigs at their stations upon movement by said retractabletrigger means, power means for moving said slide rails, a verticallymovable support carried by said supporting structure, a solder potcarried by said vertically movable support, a motor for elevating saidsupport, and means for operating said motor actuated by movement of saidslide rails.

17. In an apparatus for tinning notches in ceramic wafers carried by jigassemblies having aligned shaft eXtensions at each end, a supportingstructure, a pair of spaced parallel guide rails mounted on saidsupporting structure, guide projections extending upwardly from saidguide rails, a slide assembly including a pair of parallel slide armsand a cross connection carried by said guide rails and adapted to bereciprocated thereon, said slide arms having recesses in their bottomsurface for receiving said guide projections, tracks extending laterallyof said guide rails for supporting said jig assemblies and having theirjig-engaging portions positioned above said slide rails, retractabletrigger means carried by said slide assembly and adapted to engage saidjigs to advance same along said tracks, motor means for reciprocatingsaid slide assembly, and means for immersing portions of the ceramicwafers carried by said jigs in solder, said means being actuated by theoperation of said motor.

18. The structure of claim 17 characterized in that means are providedfor holding the jigs against rotation on their aXes during immersion inthe solder.

19. The structure of claim 17 characterized in that automaticintermittent rotary movement is provided for the jigs by a mechanismmounted on one of said guide rails.

20. The structure of claim 17 characterized in that automaticintermittent rotary means is provided for the jigs and said means isautomatically controlled by the immersing means.

2l. In an apparatus for tinning notches in ceramic wafers carried by jigassemblies having aligned shaft extensions at each end, a supportingstructure, a pair of spaced parallel rails mounted on the supportingstructure, jig-engaging and rotating means spaced along said guide railsat selected stations, means for moving jigs along said guide rails tosaid stations, means for intermittentlv partially rotating said jigs atsaid stations, and

a solder pot carried by said supporting structure and movable to aposition for immersing the ceramics carried by said jigs after thepartial rotation of said jigs at said stations.

22. The structure of claim 21 characterized in that means are providedfor securing the jigs at their stations and for preventing theirrotation during immersion in the solder.

23. In a notch tinning apparatus for applying solder to the notches offlat square ceramic wafers having notches formed along their marginaledges, in combination, a plurality of jigs having means for engaging aplurality of wafers at their diametrically opposite corners and forretaining same in spaced parallel relation with their edges transverselyaligned, means for supporting said jigs at their opposite end portionsand for positioning and retaining said jigs in spaced relation at linxand solder stations, intermittently operated means for advancing saidjigs while in their spaced relation along said supporting apparatus toand from said stations, ux and solder receptacles, means for elevatingand lowering said uX and solder receptacles for intermittently immersingone marginal edge of each of the ceramics in said jigs, and means forpartially rotating said jigs at said stations.

24. ln a notch tinning apparatus for applying solder to the notches offlat polygonal ceramic wafers having notches formed along their marginaledges, in combination, a plurality of jigs having means for engaging aplurality of wafers at their diametrically opposite corners and forretaining same in spaced parallel relation with their edges transverselyaligned, means for supporting said jigs at their opposite end portionsand for positioning and retaining said jigs in spaced relation at lluxand solder stations, intermittently operated means for advancing saidjigs while in their spaced relation along said supporting apparatus toand from said stations, flux and solder receptacles, means for elevatingand lowering said ux and solder receptacles for intermittently immersingone marginal edge of each of the ceramics in said jigs, and means forintermittently rotating said jigs to present the several faces of thewafers in position for immersion in said uX and solder.

25. The structure of claim 24 characterized in that` the means forelevating and lowering the tlux and solder receptacles is power drivenand is controlled by the intermittently operated means for advancing thejigs.

26. The structure 4of claim 24 characterized in that the means forelevating and lowering the flux and solder receptacles'forintermittently immersing one edge of the ceramic wafers in the jigs,controls the means for rotating the jigs.

27. The structure of claim 24 Vcharacterized in that means are providedfor holding the jigs at their stations and for preventing movement ontheir axes during the immersion in the ux and solder.

28. The structure ofclaim 24 characterized in that the operating meansfor the several parts are actuated by lluid motors controlled bymagnetic valves. A

29. In a notch tinning apparatus for Vapplying solder to the notches ofiiat square ceramic wafers having notches formed along their marginaledges, in combination, a plurality of jigs having means for engaging aplurality of wafersat their diametrically opposite corners and forretaining same in spaced parallel relation with their edges transverselyaligned, means for supporting said jigs at their opposite end portionsand for positioning and retaining said jigs in spaced relation at fluxand solder stations, intermittently operated means foradvancing saidjigs while in their spaced relation along said supporting apparatus toand from said stations, ilux and solder receptacles, and meansforelevating and lowering said linx and solder receptacles forintermittently immersing one marginal edge of each of the ceramics insaid jigs. Y

References Cited in'therle of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,652,697 Boettger Dec. 13, 1927 2,508,200 Tarlton May 16, 19502,583,968 Rousseau flan. 29, 1952 2,650,600 Davis Sept. 1,1953 2,723,922Fleming Nov. 15, 1955 2,735,398 Orrell et al. 2....., Feb. .21, 1,956 l

